Hannah Johnston
The reality? 80% of young Australians either have a side hustle or want one. From freelancing to online stores to creative ventures, side hustles have gone mainstream. They’re not a threat to loyalty - they’re a signal of ambition.
Why the hustle?
Cost of living is one driver, but it’s not the whole story. Side hustles also let people:
- Build skills they can’t always explore in their day job.
- Pursue passions and creative outlets.
- Experiment with business ideas that could one day grow.
ABS data shows multiple job holders are on the rise - 6.5% of the workforce in 2025 vs 5.1% in 2020. And the 20–24 age group is leading the way.
Transferable skills you can’t ignore
Side hustles often sharpen the exact skills employers value: project management, client communication, creativity, financial literacy. Instead of fearing distraction, see them as on-the-job training grounds.
Take Isabella, an Account Executive at Hatch who also runs a wedding celebrant business on weekends. Her side hustle hones the same skills - storytelling, organisation, relationship-building - that make her great in sales. That’s a win-win for her employer.
The smart employer brand move
The best companies in 2025 won’t just allow side hustles, they’ll celebrate them. Supporting ambition shows trust, and it builds a culture where employees feel energised, not stifled.
The takeaway? A side hustle doesn’t signal disloyalty. It signals drive. Employers who embrace it will be the ones keeping the most motivated people around.
